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11/29/06 Contact: Kathy Oathout 727.341.7904 Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs sniffs out the facts on dogs and explores what makes mankind's relationship so unique. Organized by Wonderworks Exhibitions Company, Wolf to Woof is the largest and most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever created to explore the history, biology and development of dogs and the role of dogs in human societies. The exhibition is on display at Florida International Museum (FIM) from January 19 through May 13, 2007 . No other single species in the animal kingdom has the incredible diversity of shapes and sizes that we see in dogs, said Jack Hall, president of Wonderworks Exhibition Company. This exhibit uses our familiarity and love of our four-legged friends to explore science and biological concepts. During the exhibitions' run at FIM, numerous special programs are planned to offer visitors more in-depth experiences with canines, including a partnership with t he Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Tampa Bay . The SPCA is a 67-year-old, non-profit animal shelter. Winner of both the 2006 Outstanding Charitable Non-Profit Business of the Year Awards from the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and from the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the SPCA provides services to more than 15,000 animals annually. The SPCA is proud to partner with the Florida International Museum as the benefiting sponsor charity for the Wolf to Woof exhibit. The SPCA of Tampa Bay will assist in promoting programs that connect with the stories portrayed within the exhibit. Learn more by visiting www.SPCATampaBay.org or call (727) 586-3591. Additionally, FIM is hosting Practical Canine Behavior Solutions Saturday, January 20th from 11 AM to 2 PM featuring Brian Kilcommons. With more than 35 years experience with 35,000 dogs, Brian is a nationally known master trainer, author and lecturer, Brian and his co-author Sarah Wilson have written ten books and are regular contributors to PARADE, the nationally-circulated Sunday newspaper publication. Brian won national acclaim with his FOX hit series FNC Pet News, and has also been seen on Good Morning America, 20/20, Today, Oprah, PrimeTime Live and more. Brian is a part-time faculty member with the Cummings School of Veterinary medicine at Tufts University . EXHIBITION OVERVIEW Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs has four themed sections including multi-media displays, artifacts, photo murals, and dioramas of taxidermied wild canines and sculpted modern dogs breeds. Additionally interactive, hands-on components demonstrate key exhibit concepts. SECTION 1: DOGS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES The domestic dog comes in a mind-boggling array of shapes and sizes from the pocket-sized Chihuahua to a 200-pound Saint Bernard. From the earliest wolf-like canines that lived thousands of years ago, humans have bred dogs for work and whimsy, creating the hundreds of domestic breeds known today. This section showcases the amazing versatility of dogs and how their appearance has changed through time both naturally and through the help of humans. This section also addresses the geographical origins and history of select domestic dog breeds, many species of wild canines, as well as extinct canine relatives. SECTION 2: A LITTLE WOLF IN EVERY DOG Many dog behaviors have roots in the social world of wolves. This section explores why dogs and wolves do the things they do, and how and when they behave in similar or different ways. In domesticating dogs, and in selective breeding, people have chosen certain wolf characteristics and eliminated others. Dog breeders select for physical traits like size and hunting ability, and also for personality traits that make a dog trainable, friendly, communicative and loyal. Canines wolves, foxes, coyotes, jackals, and dogs star in myth and folklore almost everywhere in the world. This section explores why people find the behavior of dogs and their kin so intriguing, whether that behavior leaves them feeling awed, frightened, or just plain amused. SECTION 3: DOGS HAVE SKILLS TO HELP US Dogs and people have worked together for centuries. From their incredible sense of smell to their stamina for long distance running, the amazing skills of dogs have made the lives of humans a lot easier. Dogs have served as hunters, herders, guards, and warriors. Depending on the job requirements, early breeders bred dogs for speed, stamina, aggression, strength or size. Dogs were also bred for looks and style. Today most dogs are pets and companions and some have become assistants for people with disabilities. These relationships are depicted in this section, along with a final display of images of people and their dogs. There is also a space available for visitors to leave behind pictures of themselves with their own canine friends. SECTION 4: WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP DOGS? For thousands of years, dogs have lived alongside people, helping with the tasks of everyday life. Over time, the breeding of domestic dogs has resulted in animals whose size, temperament and loyalty make them far better suited as human companions than as members of a pack. The fate of many wild canines also depends on humans. Through pollution, hunting and habitat destruction humans have altered the environment in ways that put wild canines in jeopardy. If those canine species are to survive, they need help to undo, or at least halt, the damage. This section explores what problems our modern world poses for dogs and what scientists, volunteers and everyday people are doing to solve these problems. It shows how coyotes have managed to survive and adapt despite human encroachment into their habitat, and how the two can successfully coexist. Visitors also learn about responsible pet owners, world reintroduction into Yellowstone National Park , the fight to save the endangered Ethiopian wolf, and current trends in veterinarian science. PUBLIC INFORMATION he Florida International Museum is a non-profit educational institution supported, in part, by the Florida Arts Council, State of Florida , Division of Cultural Affairs and Institute of Museum & Library Services. Other major sponsors include Starbucks, City of St Petersburg, Pinellas Arts Council, Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Clear Channel Outdoors and Carlton Fields and Raymond James & Associates.
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